Dear Sampson,

You were my childhood best friend and the one that I would go exploring with. I could never forget the way you bolted towards me with enthusiasm whenever visiting my grandparents. The jump in my step was always apparent as my parents informed me that we were visiting family for the summer. And never did visiting family not include you. To this day, I still find myself getting distracted from school work by viewing funny photos posted by the "Emergency Pugs" Twitter. Yes, this is very much a real thing and just as it should be.

I remember running across boundless beaches with you, giggling as sand clung to my flip flops. A tennis ball was always in hand as you chased after me, ready to fling it as far as my tiny arms would allow. You were always so full of life, and my eyes lit up as much as yours when you ran back towards me to play fetch, if not more. I remember one day I swung too far and your tennis ball catapulted into the ocean. I heroically jumped in, saving your favorite toy and bragged about my rescue the whole way home. Leaving your favorite toy behind was simply not an option.

My cousins and I always enjoyed swimming together, and you would always run around excitedly, wishing to join us. Every time you would attempt to swim, you would only last for about five seconds. You could never keep afloat and one of my older cousins would constantly need to retrieve you. Once you were escorted out, the excitement of being around us never ceased and your joyful spirit never faded. You would always introduce me to your new friends, such as my grandpa's newer pug named Delilah.

I thank you, Sampson, for making our family have the strong bond we did. For being such a loving animal, in remembering you I remember a multitude of my happiest childhood days and close-knit family memories. Thank you for being such an outstanding dog and friend. When I live on my own, I hope to have a pug as exuberant and spirited as you were.